Lufkin Mall, Salvation Army partner to help families have special holiday

The season of goodwill and helping others starts at Lufkin Mall. The shopping center is offering the community an opportunity to help those most in need by teaming up with the Salvation Army to host the organization’s annual Angel Tree. “Our ongoing, 15-year relationship with the Salvation Army and the generosity of the community has helped make a difference for families and seniors in need,” said Sean Griffin, Lufkin Mall general manager. From Nov. 14 to Dec. 16, shoppers can select a tag that lists a requested item from the Angel Tree located near Zales and Santa’s winter home. Gifts typically requested include clothing and toys. Generous shoppers can drop new, unwrapped gifts at the shopping center’s management office next to Lufkin Mall 9 Theaters, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or at the Salvation Army, 412 S 3rd St, Lufkin. Donors are encouraged to include wrapping paper with their gift. The Salvation Army estimates that roughly 1,000 children and seniors in need will benefit from the generosity of Lufkin Mall shoppers. Salvation Army volunteers will distribute the gifts Dec.20 to families and seniors in the surrounding counties. Rudolph the Red Nosed Pumping Unit will be on display throughout the season in the shopping center’s parking lot, while Santa Claus will be in residence until Dec. 24. For more information about extended holiday hours, Santa’s hours, stores and services, visit www.lufkinmall.com or call (936) 639-1249. Lufkin Mall is home to four major department stores plus 51 specialty stores and the Lufkin Mall 9 Theaters. Major merchants are Stage, JCPenney, Sears and TJ Maxx. The shopping center’s newest retailers are Auntie Ann’s, rue21 and Texan’s Barber School. The mall, easily accessible at Loop 287 and Highway 59, serves the shopping needs of East Texans. Lufkin Mall supports the community with multiple programs throughout the year including: Back to School iPad giveaway and the Salvation Army Angel Tree. Lufkin Mall is managed by GK Development, Inc. About GK Development, Inc. GK Development, Inc. is a commercial real estate firm based in Barrington, Ill. that acquires, develops, owns and operates a diversified portfolio of commercial and retail property across the United States. For more information, visit www.gkdevelopment.com. # # #